Tap Body Attachment

ABSTRACT

There is provided an apparatus for attaching a tap body on to a sink. The apparatus comprises a tap body for positioning above an aperture on the sink and the tap body has at least one water pipe inlet port on a surface which is positioned directly above the aperture. The apparatus also comprises a fastening plate which is positioned underneath the aperture on the sink, and a securing means which is insertable through the tap body which secures the tap body and the fastening plate from above the sink. At least one water pipe inlet port is flush with the external surface of the tap body.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation in part application from U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 14/058,309 filed Oct. 21, 2013 and which claimspriority from United Kingdom Patent Application No. 12 19 364.5 filed 26Oct. 2012, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein byreference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to apparatus for attaching a tap body onto a sink, and also to apparatus for attaching a monobloc tap body on toa sink.

2. Description of the Related Art

It is known to attach a tap body or a monobloc (or mixer) tap body to akitchen or bathroom sink using standard mounting methods. In the case,for example, of a monobloc tap body, such standard mounting methodsusually require a 35 millimetre (1 and ⅜ inch) mounting hole in thesink. The monobloc tap is positioned above the 35 millimetre hole andsecured from underneath the sink. Typically, a fixing plate is securedby a nut and a washer onto a fixing stud which is screwed into the tapbody. A specially designed tube wrench is required for tightening. Thisprocess needs to be carried out underneath the sink, whilst at the sametime ensuring that the alignment of the tap body with the sink ismaintained. It is therefore clearly difficult to achieve sufficienttightening of the securing components underneath the sink whilstchecking on the tap. The tap frequently works loose and the 35millimetre hole is a small hole to work through to secure the tap.Furthermore, when a kitchen tap is fitted, this process requires theplumber to work inside a kitchen cupboard in order to fit the monobloctap.

Although the problem of fitting a tap body or a monobloc tap body fromunderneath a sink is known and acknowledged, no satisfactory solutionhas yet been provided.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is providedapparatus for attaching a tap body on to a sink, the apparatuscomprising: a tap body for positioning above an aperture on said sink,said tap body having at least one water pipe inlet port on a surfaceconfigured to be positioned directly above said aperture, a fasteningplate configured to be positioned underneath said aperture on said sink,and a securing means insertable through said tap body and configured tosecure said tap body and said fastening plate from above the sink,wherein said at least one water pipe inlet port is flush with theexternal surface of said tap body.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provideda method of attaching a tap body on to a sink, comprising the followingsteps: connecting one or more water supply pipes into said tap body;inserting said one or more water supply pipes through an aperture insaid sink; positioning said tap body above said aperture on said sink,said tap body having at least one water pipe inlet port on a surfaceconfigured to be positioned directly above said aperture; and whereinsaid water pipe inlet port is flush with the external surface of saidtap body; positioning a fastening plate underneath said aperture;inserting a securing means through said tap body to secure said tap bodyand said fastening plate from above the sink; and connecting water spoutto tap body.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows an illustration of a plumber fitting a standard bathroomtap;

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of a tap body fitted using apparatusembodied by the present invention;

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of a monobloc tap fitted using apparatusembodied by the present invention;

FIG. 4 shows a cross sectional view of the apparatus embodied by thepresent invention;

FIG. 5 shows an exploded view of the apparatus in an embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 6 shows an exploded view of the apparatus in a further embodimentof the present invention;

FIG. 7 shows an exploded view of the apparatus in an alternativeembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of the monobloc tap body embodied by thepresent invention;

FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of the fastening plate embodied by thepresent invention;

FIG. 10 shows a perspective view of an alternative fastening plateembodied by the present invention;

FIG. 11 shows a perspective view of a further alternative fasteningplate embodied by the present invention; and

FIG. 12 shows a flow chart illustrating the method steps of fitting atap embodied by the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS FIG. 1

A plumber 101 using apparatus of the prior art for attaching a standardtap body 102 on to a bathroom sink is shown in FIG. 1.

In this prior art example shown in FIG. 1, standard tap body 102 of theprior art is a monobloc tap body and requires a 35 millimetre mountinghole in the sink. Tap body 102 is fitted to the bathroom sink by beingsecured from underneath the surface. Typically, a fixing plate issecured by a nut and a washer onto a fixing stud which is screwed in tothe tap body. At the same time, the tap body needs to be maintained inthe correct position above the 35 millimetre mounting hole on the sink,which is a small hole to work through. This procedure is a difficultplumbing job as it is very awkward for plumber 101 to see what he/she isdoing underneath the sink where it is dark and there is not much space.In the case of kitchen cupboards, it is particularly awkward as the tapbody installation involves the plumber working inside a kitchencupboard. Specially designed wrenches are required to aid this processbut unfortunately the taps frequently work loose, thus requiring futureadditional work to tighten them. There are also health and safety risksposed to the plumber by working underneath the sink, especially in termsof back injuries. Additionally, working underneath the sink can mean ittakes a significant length of time to mount a tap.

FIG. 2

A perspective view of a tap body 201 embodying the present invention isshown in FIG. 2. As will become apparent, tap body 201 can be firmlysecured to a kitchen or bathroom sink from above the surface of thesink, which therefore circumvents the problem of the plumber carryingout the fitting from underneath the sink. There is no tightening ofpipes or any requirement for use of tools underneath the sink. A sinkmay be any pool for the deposit of water, including a kitchen sink,bathroom sink or even a bath. As illustrated in FIG. 2, tap body 201 isfirmly secured to bathroom sink 202. Aspects of the present inventiontherefore relate to both the tap and associated fixtures to allow theinstallation from above, and to the method of installation.

FIG. 3

A perspective view of a monobloc tap body 301 embodying the presentinvention is shown in FIG. 3. As will become apparent, monobloc tap body301 can be firmly secured to a kitchen or bathroom sink or even a bathfrom above the surface of the sink, which therefore circumvents theproblem of the plumber carrying out the fitting from underneath thesink. There is no tightening of pipes or any requirement for use oftools underneath the sink. As illustrated in FIG. 3, monobloc tap body301 is firmly secured to bathroom sink 302. Aspects of the presentinvention therefore relate to both the tap and associated fixtures toallow the installation from above, and to the method of installation.

FIG. 4

A cross sectional view of a monobloc tap body embodying the presentinvention and apparatus for attaching such a tap on to a sink is shownin FIG. 4. A monobloc tap body 401 is placed in the appropriate positionon the sink, above the aperture or tap mounting hole which is normallytowards the back of the sink in a central position.

The monobloc tap body has two water pipe inlet ports 402. Water pipeinlet ports 402 serve to connect water supply pipes 404 to monobloc tapbody 401. Water pipe inlet ports 402 are flush with the external surfaceof the monobloc tap body. Therefore, water pipe inlet ports 402 do notprotrude beyond the external surface of the monobloc tap body 401. Analternative solution (not herein claimed) to water pipe inlet ports islocating collars which protrude to varying degrees beyond the externalsurface of the monobloc tap body 401. Locating collars may be part ofthe monobloc tap body or may be part of the water pipe once the watersupply pipe is connected to the water pipe inlet port. In the claimedinvention and illustrated embodiment, there are two water pipe inletports 402. The first water pipe inlet port 402 connects to a hot waterpipe and the second water pipe inlet port 402 connects to a cold waterpipe.

In the illustrated embodiment, a fastening plate is deployed. Fasteningplate is configured to be positioned underneath the sink. In theillustrated embodiment in FIG. 4, fastening plate 403 comprises threecircular holes in a linear arrangement, with two outermost holes and acentral hole. The central hole is threaded in order to cooperate withthreaded securing bolt 405 (see below). In an embodiment, fasteningplate 403 can have a nyloc style locking nut on its lowermost surface toallow enhanced tightening. The thread of the central hole of thefastening plate is the same (or similar) to the thread inside the nylocnut.

Water supply pipes 404 are connected to water pipe inlet ports 402. Inthe illustrated embodiment, water supply pipe 404 has a screw threadedend and also water pipe inlet ports 402 are screw threaded. Thus, eachwater supply pipe 404 is inserted into a water pipe inlet port 402 andturned to achieve a tight connection. Water supply pipes 404 areconnected to water pipe inlet ports 402 of the monobloc tap body 401before monobloc tap body 401 is positioned above the aperture ormounting hole on the sink. Water supply pipes 404 are inserted thoughaperture and tap body 401 is positioned above the aperture on the sink.

In alternative embodiments, fastening plate 403 may comprise one or moreholes which may be in a linear or non-linear arrangement. In suchembodiments, monobloc tap body 401 would be fabricated with water pipeinlet ports in a suitable arrangement to mirror the positioning of thenon-linear holes in the fastening plate so as to allow the water supplypipes to be inserted through the holes of the fastening plate 403 andinto the water pipe inlet ports 402.

In further alternative embodiments, fastening plate 403 may comprise twoor more holes and they may be in a linear or non-linear arrangement.

In the illustrated embodiment, the securing means configured to securethe fastening plate from above the sink is a threaded securing bolt.Threaded securing bolt 405 passes through a hole in the top of monobloctap body 401 when in position above the mounting hole or aperture on thesink and through the threaded central hole of fastening plate 403.Securing bolt is typically an M8 bolt but any other suitable bolt mayalso fall within the scope of the present invention. In a furtherembodiment, for example, the securing bolt is an M6 bolt. In furtheralternative embodiments, the securing means may be any threaded bolt orscrew that can be tightened from above the sink. The threaded bolt orscrew is preferably made from any material that will not contaminatedrinking water. An advantage of using a stainless steel bolt is that itwill not contaminate drinking water. Securing bolt 405 can be firmlytightened from above the surface of the sink, thereby eliminating theproblems of the prior art in which the tightening of the securingcomponents must be performed from underneath the sink. A handheldbattery powered drill may be used to tighten securing bolt 405. Whenthreaded securing bolt 405 is tightened into threaded fastening plate403, fastening plate 403 moves upwards until it is firmly securedagainst the underside of the sink.

In each embodiment, washer 409 which may be a stainless steel washer ora copper washer or a brass washer is used in conjunction with thesecuring bolt or screw. Additionally, sealing washer 410 is fabricated,for example, from fibre or rubber, and is also used in conjunction withthe securing bolt or screw and the washer as just described. Thiscombination of securing bolt or screw plus washers 409 and 410 seals theinside of the tap to prevent water leaking out. Therefore, thiscombination of securing bolt or screw 405 plus washers 409 and seal 410has a dual function, namely to secure the tap body from above the sinkand also to seal the inside of the tap to prevent leakage of water.

However, in alternative embodiments, the securing means configured tosecure the fastening plate from above the sink may be any suitable meansknown in the art.

In each embodiment, the fastening plate includes a hole which may or maynot be central but which is configured to mutually cooperate with thesecuring means so as to tighten, secure and seal the apparatus together.To assist in this process, the hole may be threaded.

Also embodied in the invention is a seal on the fastening plate on theside configured to be facing the sink. This is advantageous, especiallyin the case of ceramic bathroom sinks, to prevent the fastening platefrom coming into direct contact with the fastening plate. There is alsoa seal on the external surface of the tap body configured to be restingagainst the surface of the tap.

Once monobloc tap body 401 is firmly in situ, water spout 406, isscrewed onto monobloc tap body 401.

Advantageously, all the tightening and screwing required to attach thetap body to the sink is done from above the sink. The only stage carriedout underneath the sink is the positioning of the fastening plate.However, no screwing or tightening is carried out underneath the sink.The positioning of the fastening plate can even be done by feeling thelocation of water supply pipes 404 and then positioning fastening plate403 without looking. There are therefore significant advantages to theplumber in not needing to bend down and work inside a kitchen cupboardor underneath a bathroom sink.

FIG. 5

An exploded view of the apparatus according to the present invention isshown in FIG. 5. In the illustrated embodiment, tap body 501 comprises awater pipe inlet port 502 on the underneath side of the body when body501 is in position above the mounting hole on the sink. In theillustrated embodiment, tap body 501 comprises a central hole 503 forinsertion of securing bolt 504 and attachment of water spout 505.Furthermore, tap body 501 comprises point of attachment for attachingwater valve 506 and tap handle 507.

In the illustrated embodiment, there is no fastening plate. However, inalternative embodiments, the apparatus may further comprise a fasteningplate, which may have two or more holes. These two or more holes may be,or may not be, in alignment. Where a fastening plate is used, thefastening plate is placed beneath the mounting hole of the sink and tapbody 501 is placed above the mounting hole of the sink. Water pipe inletport 502 of tap body 501 is configured such that it is aligned with ahole of the fastening plate.

The securing means configured to secure the tap body from above the sinkmay be any means known in the art. However, in the illustratedembodiment, a threaded securing bolt 504 is deployed. Threaded securingbolt 504 is then inserted through central hole 503 of tap body 501.Securing bolt 504 is typically an M6 or M8 bolt but any similar threadedbolt or screw that can be tightened from above, and that is made frommaterial that will not contaminate drinking water, can be used. Securingbolt 504 is tightened from above the surface of the sink, whichadvantageously means that the plumber does not need to perform thetightening in an awkward space underneath the sink. As threaded securingbolt 504 is tightened into the threads of the central hole, washers suchas a copper washer and a fibre washer are used to secure the securingbolt. The washers used may be a copper washer, a stainless steel washer,a fibre washer or a rubber washer. However, in each case the washerprevents leakage by helping securing and seal the apparatus in position.In this way, the securing means works to both secure and seal theapparatus in cooperation with the washers used.

FIG. 6

From here on in the description of the Figures, reference is made tomonobloc taps. However, this is for illustration only, and thedescription may apply equally to regular single taps. An exploded viewof the apparatus according to the present invention is shown in FIG. 6.In the illustrated embodiment, monobloc tap body 601 comprises two waterpipe inlet ports 602 on the underneath side of the tap body when body601 is in position above the mounting hole on the sink. Monobloc tapbody 601 comprises a central hole 603 for insertion of threaded securingbolt 604 and attachment of water spout 605. Furthermore, monobloc tapbody 601 comprises points of attachment 606 for attaching water valves607 and tap handles 608.

In the illustrated embodiment, the apparatus further comprises fasteningplate 609, which itself has three holes. Fastening plate 609 is placedbeneath the mounting hole of the sink and monobloc body 601 is placedabove the mounting hole of the sink. Water pipe inlet ports 602 ofmonobloc tap body 601 are configured such that they are aligned with thetwo outermost holes of fastening plate 609. In an embodiment, fasteningplate 609 can have a nyloc style locking nut on its lowermost surface toallow enhanced tightening. The thread of the central hole of thefastening plate is the same (or similar) to the thread inside the nylocnut.

In the illustrated embodiment, water supply pipes 610 screw into a waterpipe inlet port 602 on the monobloc tap body 601. This step is carriedout away from the sink. Water supply pipes 610 are then inserted throughan aperture in the sink. Tap body 601 is then positioned above theaperture.

Fastening plate 609 is positioned underneath the aperture. No tools ortightening of the fastening plate is carried out at this stage.

Threaded securing bolt 604 is then inserted through central hole 603 ofmonobloc tap body 601 and through the central hole of fastening plate609 which is threaded. Securing bolt 604 is typically an M6 or M8 boltbut any similar bolt or screw that can be tightened from above, and thatis made from material that will not contaminate drinking water, can beused. Securing bolt 604 is tightened from above the surface of the sink,which advantageously means that the plumber does not need to perform thetightening in an awkward space underneath the sink. As securing bolt 604is tightened into the threads of the central hole, fastening plate 609is secured to underneath side of monobloc tap body 601 and serves toprevent tap body 601 turning.

Once monobloc tap body 601 is secured firmly on sink, water spout 605 isattached to body 601

FIG. 7

An exploded view of the apparatus according to an alternative embodimentof the present invention is shown in FIG. 7. Monobloc tap body 701comprises two water pipe inlet ports 702 on the underneath side of thetap body when tap body is in position above the mounting hole on thesink. Monobloc tap body 701 comprises a central hole 703 for insertionof securing bolt 704 and attachment of water spout 705. Furthermore,monobloc tap body 701 may comprise points of attachment 706 forattaching water valves 707 and tap handles 708.

In the illustrated embodiment, the apparatus further comprises fasteningplate 709, which itself has three holes in an alignment. Fastening plate709 has a central circular hole and two outermost semi-circular holes.

Water supply pipes 710 screw into a water pipe inlet port 702 on the tapbody 701. Water supply pipes 710 are inserted through aperture on sinkand monobloc tap body 701 is placed above the mounting hole of the sink.Fastening plate 709 is placed beneath the mounting hole of the sink.Water pipe inlet ports 702 of monobloc tap body 701 are configured suchthat they can align with the two outermost semi-circular holes offastening plate 709.

Securing bolt 704 is then inserted through central hole 703 of monobloctap body 701 and through the threaded central hole of fastening plate709. Securing bolt 704 is typically an M6 or M8 bolt but may be any boltor screw that can be tightened from above. Securing bolt 704 istightened from above the surface of the sink, which advantageously meansthat the plumber does not need to perform the tightening in an awkwardspace underneath the sink. As securing bolt 704 is tightened, fasteningplate is secured to underneath side of monobloc tap body 701 and servesto prevent the monobloc tap body 701 turning.

Once monobloc tap body 701 is secured firmly on sink, water spout 705 isattached to tap body 701.

FIG. 8

A perspective view of monobloc tap body 801 is shown in FIG. 8. Inparticular, the underside is shown. When in position on the surface of asink above the mounting hole, water pipe inlet ports 802 are on theunderside of monobloc tap body 801. Water pipe inlet ports 802 aretypically 5 to 18 millimetres in diameter but any diameter to fit thediameter of a water pipe is within the scope of the invention. There aretypically two water pipe inlet ports 802 to receive the two water supplypipes required for a monobloc tap, namely the hot pipe and the coldpipe. However, more than two water pipe inlet ports 802 is within thescope of the invention, such as three, four, five or six water pipeinlet ports should there be a corresponding plurality of water supplypipes.

Hole 803 receives securing bolt (not shown) which is inserted intomonobloc tap body 801 from the top side (not shown).

FIG. 9

A fastening plate 901 is shown in FIG. 9, having three holes in a lineararrangement. In this illustrated embodiment of the present invention,holes are circular. However, in the event that pipes with a non-standardmouth were to be used, it is within the scope of the invention that theholes could be shaped to fit. Outermost holes 902 receive water supplypipes; the hot water supply pipe passes through a first of the outermostholes 902 and the cold water supply pipe passes through a second of theoutermost holes 902.

Central hole 903 is threaded so as to enable it to receive the securingbolt (see 604 in FIG. 6). Securing bolt 604 is tightened from above thesurface of the sink, which advantageously means that the plumber doesnot need to perform the tightening—which requires a tool such as ascrewdriver or a wrench—in an awkward space underneath the sink. Assecuring bolt 604 is tightened, fastening plate 901 is secured tounderneath side of the monobloc tap body and serves to prevent themonobloc tap body turning.

Fastening plate 901 can also be used as a template to draw around toenlarge the standard 35 millimetre mounting hole on the sink whenrequired. The enlarged hole can be easier to work with than the standard35 millimetre hole.

Furthermore, in newer sinks and baths made from a composite material,mounting holes are increasingly not present. Therefore, newer sinks andbaths lend themselves ideally to the process of using the fasteningplate 901 as a template to draw around to produce an appropriately sizedmounting hole.

FIG. 10

A fastening plate 1001 is shown in FIG. 10, having three holes in alinear arrangement. In this illustrated embodiment of the presentinvention, the central hole 1003 is circular. The two outermost holes1002 are semi-circular. The two outermost holes 1002 receive watersupply pipes; the hot water pipe passes through the first outermost hole1002 and the cold water pipe passes through the second outermost hole1002. Central hole 1003 receives securing screw (see 604 in FIG. 6) asdescribed for central hole 703 in FIG. 7.

FIG. 11

A fastening plate 1101 is shown in FIG. 11, having three holes in anon-linear arrangement. In this illustrated embodiment of the presentinvention, the central hole 1103 is circular. The two outermost holes1102 are semi-circular. The two outermost holes 1102 receive watersupply pipes; the hot water pipe passes through the first outermost hole1102 and the cold water pipe passes through the second outermost hole1102. Central hole 1103 receives securing screw (see 604 in FIG. 6) asdescribed for central hole 703 in FIG. 7.

FIG. 12

A flow chart of a method of mounting a monobloc tap apparatus to a sinkis illustrated in FIG. 12.

In step 1201, a water supply pipe(s) is connected into the water pipeinlet port(s) of the tap body. Both the water supply pipe(s) and thewater pipe inlet port(s) may be screw threaded and therefore connectedto each other by turning. Step 1201 is done away from the sink.

In step 1202, the water supply pipe(s) attached to the tap body isinserted from above through an aperture (or tap mounting hole) in asink). No tools are required at this stage.

In step 1203, the tap body is positioned above the aperture (or tapmounting hole) on the sink. No tools are required at this stage.

In step 1204, the fastening plate is positioned underneath the aperture.No tools are required at this stage.

In step 1205, the securing means is inserted through the tap body andtightened by turning to secure the tap body and fastening plate fromabove the sink. A handheld battery powered drill may be used to tightenthe securing means.

In step 1206, water spout is connected to tap body. In the embodiedinvention, water spout is connected to tap body by turning.

1. Apparatus for attaching a tap body on to a sink, the apparatuscomprising: a tap body for positioning above an aperture on said sink,said tap body having at least one water pipe inlet port on a surfaceconfigured to be positioned directly above said aperture, a fasteningplate configured to be positioned underneath said aperture on said sink,and a securing means insertable through said tap body and configured tosecure said tap body and said fastening plate from above the sink,wherein said at least one water pipe inlet port is flush with theexternal surface of said tap body.
 2. The apparatus according to claim1, wherein said sink may be any pool for the deposit of water.
 3. Theapparatus according to claim 2, wherein said sink may be a kitchen sink,a bathroom sink or a bath.
 4. The apparatus according to claim 1,wherein said securing means configured to secure said tap body fromabove the sink is a bolt or screw insertable through said tap body. 5.The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said fastening platecomprises one or more holes.
 6. The apparatus according to claim 1,wherein said fastening plate comprises two or more holes.
 7. Theapparatus according to claim 6, wherein said two or more holes arealigned.
 8. The apparatus according to claims 4, wherein said bolt orscrew is insertable through said fastening plate through a hole of saidone or more holes in said fastening plate.
 9. The apparatus according toclaim 1, further comprising a seal on fastening plate on side configuredto be facing said sink.
 10. The apparatus according to claim 1, furthercomprising a seal on said tap body on said surface configured to bepositioned directly above said aperture.
 11. The apparatus according toclaim 10, further comprising at least one washer for use with saidsecuring bolt.
 12. The apparatus according to claim 11, furthercomprising a sealing washer for use with said securing bolt.
 13. Theapparatus according to claim 1, wherein said at least one water pipeinlet port is screw threaded.
 14. The apparatus according to claim 1,wherein said tap is a monobloc tap.
 15. The apparatus according to claim14, wherein said fastening plate comprises three or more holes, andfurther wherein an outer two of said three or more holes are eachconfigured to receive a single water pipe.
 16. The apparatus accordingto claim 14, wherein said tap body comprises a first water pipe inletport and a second water pipe inlet port configured respectively toreceive a hot water pipe and a cold water pipe.
 17. A method ofattaching a tap body on to a sink, comprising the following steps:connecting one or more water supply pipes into said tap body; insertingsaid one or more water supply pipes through an aperture in said sink;positioning said tap body above said aperture on said sink, said tapbody having at least one water pipe inlet port on a surface configuredto be positioned directly above said aperture; and wherein said waterpipe inlet port is flush with the external surface of said tap body;positioning a fastening plate underneath said aperture; inserting asecuring means through said tap body to secure said tap body and saidfastening plate from above the sink; and connecting water spout to tapbody.
 18. The method according to claim 17, wherein said step ofconnecting one or more water supply pipes into said tap body comprisesscrewing said one or more water supply pipes into said tap body.
 19. Themethod according to claim 17, wherein said fastening plate comprises atleast one hole.
 20. The method according to claim 17, wherein saidsecuring means for securing said tap body from above the sink is a boltor screw insertable through said tap body.
 21. The method according toclaims 19, wherein said securing bolt or screw is insertable throughsaid fastening plate through a hole of said one or more holes in saidfastening plate. 22-23. (canceled)